Terminal wire connectors and mounting means therefor



Feb. 9, 1960 o. s. FIELD 2,924,807

TERMINAL WIRE CONNECTORS AND MOUNTING MEANS THEREFOR Filed Oct. 13, 1955 IN VEN TOR.

HIS ATTORNEY United States Patent O" TERMINAL wmn CONNECTORS AND MOUNTING MEANS THEREFOR Oscar 5. Field, Rochester, N.Y., assignor to General Railway Signal Company, Rochester, N .Y.

Application September 13, 1955, Serial No. 534,044

6 Claims. (Cl. 33-176) This invention relates to electrical terminals and connectors for use on terminal boards, casing panels, relay housings and the like, and it more particularly pertains to quickly detachable connectors wherein electrical conductor connections may be made up or separated in a quick, eflicient and reliable manner.

In various electrical control systems, such as railway signaling systems for example, a centrally located control machine is used to condition circuits for the operation' of a number of electrical devices located throughout a track layout, This necessitates a vast network of wires carrying incoming and outgoing circuits which must converge and be interconnected with the control machine, usually by means of a terminal board located in the vicinity of the control machine. In most cases, the size of the terminal board is limited and the terminals and connectors are closely spaced. However, for testing purposes and necessary circuit changes and repairs, it is desirable that these terminals have easy accessibility thereto and be readily adaptable to connecting and disconnecting operations while at the same time provide reliable electrical conducting connections when connected together.

The present invention contemplates such a terminal mounting and quickly detachable connector means which is accessible from both sides of the terminal board and is universal in use to the extent that it may be easily changed out, removed or added to a board, may have wires either soldered or plug coupled thereto, and may be easily interconnected with other terminals where it is necessary to connect certain circuits together.

Generally speaking, the terminal element of the invention comprises a specially formed piece of flat resilient electrical conducting material which may be forced and sprung into position in a receptacle hole located in an insulation board wherein it is securely mounted under spring tension and held in position by means provided to prevent longitudinal movement. The ends of this panel terminal are provided with grooves to facilitate making wiring connections thereto. These terminal ends are also tapered and are provided with spiral twist and a longitudinal slot to coact with a sleeve connector. The terminal element herein provided is somewhat similar to the usual solder-type terminals except that it is modified to receive quick detachable plug coupling means. This plug coupling means is a sleeve connector which is also formed from flat resilient electrical conducting material stock. This material is formed to make a generally rectangular sleeve with one side open and the other side provided with a tongue having its free end biased inward towards the center of the sleeve. The usu- 2,924,807 Patented Feb. 9, 1960 portion of the terminal is now under tension within the confines of the sleeve portion of the plug connector, thus maintaining a high degree of contact pressure between the two elements and providing a good electrical conducting connection. The sleeve connector wire terminal may be easily removed from the panel terminal and may be connected and disconnected as desired without destroying the efiiciency of the connecting elements. Also, if necessary, the panel terminal may be removed from the insulation board and be replaced or used elsewhere.

One object of the invention is the provision of a terminal specially formed of resilient material which may be forced and sprung into or out of a hole in the terminal board and still be rigidly mounted when in position.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a panel terminal which may have wire connections soldered thereto but so constructed that a quick detachable sleeve connector may be coupled thereto.

Another object of the invention is the provision of spiral twists formed in each end of the terminal element which provides an electrical connection with the sleeve connector with a high degree of contact pressure between the two elements.

Other objects, purposes and characteristic features of the invention will be in part obvious from the accompanying drawing and in part pointed out as the description of the invention progresses. Reference will be made to the accompanying drawing which shows the invention in detail, like parts being referred to by like reference characters and in which:

Fig. 1 is a front assembly elevational view of one form of the invention showing the terminal mounted in the terminal board and sleeve connector terminals plug coupled to each end thereof;

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the Fig. 1 form of the invention shown partly in section as indicated by the line 22 of Fig. 1 with one sleeve connector removed to show the normal deformation in the panel terminal and the means for attaching a wire thereto;

Fig. 3 is a end view of the terminal of Fig. 1 shown to indicate the degree of deformation in the ends of the terminal;

Fig. 4 is a front composite view showing the elements of the invention as in Fig. l in their relative positions prior to assembly;

Fig. 5 is a front composite view of the elements of the invention showing a modified form of terminal mounted in the terminal board, the parts being shown in their relative positions prior to assembly;

Fig. 6 is a side elevational view of the modified terminal of Fig. 5 showing the terminal mounted in the terminal board and the normal deformations prior to plug coupling;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the modified terminal of Fig. 5 taken on the line 77 of Fig. 6 showing the al wire connecting facilities are also provided, at one end portion which passes through the terminal board open- 111g;

Fig. 8 is an end view of the modified terminal of Fig. 5 showing the degree of deformation in the plug coupler end portions;

Figs. 9, 10 and 11 are views of the sleeve connector unit of the invention to show the formation thereof and the means provided to facilitate making a detachable connection with the terminal;

Fig. 12 is a plan view of a portion of one side of the terminal board showing the preferred form and location of the punched holes therein for mounting'the terminals. Also shown are some terminals in position and the means for electrically connecting one or more together; and

Fig. 13 is a plan view of a portion of one side of the terminal board showing a modified form of punched hole therein which provides two separate terminal mounting positions.

Referring now more particularly to Figs; l to 4 inclusive' of the drawings, the type of terminal shown -is-preferably punched out of flatsheet stock of spring Phosphor bronze materialv although it is obvious that other types of resilientmetal having proper qualifications and elect'rical conducting characteristics-could be used. In general; the t'erminal'Zllis rectangular shape andis formed with a centrally located longitudinal slot 21 extending through most of the entire length of the terminal. The width of the terminal 20 at its center portion 22 is slightly greater than the length of its receptacle hole 23 in the terminal board 24 (see Fig. 12). Shoulders 25' are provided: at the center portion 22 to form grooves, the length of which are comparable to the thickness of the terminal board 24.

The end portions 26 of the terminal 26, which comprise the areas from the shoulders 25 to the extreme ends, are tapered so that the width of the extreme ends of these end portions 26 is less than the length of the receptacle hole 23 located in the terminal board 24. Near the extreme ends ofthes'e end portions 26, grooves 27 are provided to facilitate making'wiring connections thereto. These end portions 26 are also formed with a spiral twist therein of approximately 30. As shown on the-drawing, the twist in one end is preferably in an opposite direction from a common center line to the twist in the other end. However, it should be understood that both ends could be twisted in the same direction if desired, the direction of twist having no eflect on its useful purpose.

The terminallli may be inserted into its receptacle hole 23 from either end and from either side of the terminal board 24. Assuming that it is desired to mount the terminal Zllfrom' the left-hand side ofthe terminal board 24 as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2, the right-hand endportion 260i the terminal 20 is inserted into the receptacle hole 23 and passed therethrough until the tapered sides of the right-hand shoulders 25 bear against the edges-of the re ceptacle hole 23, this-becausethe normal width of the terminal 26 at this mid-section 22 is greater than the length of the receptacle hole 23. Further right-hand movement of the terminal 20 into the receptacle hole 23will require force which will cause the two sides of the slotted resilient terminal 24 to compress, thus reducing the overall width and allowing the two right-hand shoulders 25 to enter the receptacle hole As this movement progresses, the right-hand shoulders 25 will move competely through the hole 23, whereupon the resilient nature of the metal terminal 20 will cause the two sides to spring outward and expand the width of the terminal 20. As shown in Fig. l, the center portion 22 of the terminal whichis normally wider than the opening limits of the receptacle hole 23, will now be spring biased against the sides of the receptacle hole 23 and the two shoulders 25 on each side of the terminal board 24 prevent longitudinal movement in either direction of the terminal 20. Thus, the terminal 20 is securely held in position in the terminal board 24 and wiring connections may be made as desired.

As previously mentioned, the end portions 26 of the terminals 2!) are formed with tapered sides, have a slot 21- and grooves 27 therein and are deformed by twisting at an approximate 30 angle for reasons about to be explained. Where permanent external wire connections are desired, the wire such as 28 is wrapped around the grooves 27 and soldered in place as. shown in Fig. 2. However, in most instances, plug" connectionsto the terminal 20are desirable and the special formation of these terminal end sections 26' is for the purpose of accommodatinga standard type. of sleeve. connector such as shownin Eigs. 9, l0, and'll withspecial means added to" formaconnector which mechanically' interlocks with 45 the terminal 20 when in position, but is quickly detachable when removal is desired.

These sleeve connectors or wire terminals 34} are iiormed from a resilient electrical conducting metal such as Phosphor bronze, brass or the like. The wire connecting end of each wire terminal or sleeve connector 30 is provided with the usual clip 31 to facilitate fastening and soldering the metallic end of the wire 33, also a clip 32 to clamp the insulation part of the wire 33. The plug connector end of each terminal 30 is in the form of a rectangular shaped sleeve 34, the top side of which is split to forma slot' 35. The bottom side of the sleeve end 34ofterminal 3% is partially sheared or punched out to form a tongue 36 having its free end bent inward to assume a normal position within the hollow portion of the sleeve end 34. The longitudinal slot 21 in the terminal 20 previously mentioned has enlarged end portions 37 to accommodate the tongue 36' of the wire terminal or sleeve connector 30 when intheir plug connected positions.

Referring again to Figs. 1 to 4' inclusive, the plug connection is made merely by sliding the'sleeve'connector 30' over the twisted end portion 26 of the terminal 20, the tapered sides on theend portion 26 permitting easy entrance of the terminal 20 into the sleeve portionof wire terminal30. The rectangular shaped sleeve end 34 of the wire terminal orsleeve connector 30 provides a rigid structure'so that when the sleeve connector 30 is forced over the twisted end-"portion 26' of the terminal 20, the resiliency ofthe metal permitsthe spiral twist to flatten out within the confines of the sleeve 34. When a sleeve connector 30 reaches its full contacting position, the free end of theresilient tongue'36 springs up into position in theslot'37. The sleeve-connector 30 is held in place on the terminal'20 by reason of thefact that the extreme end of-th'e tongue 36 would'butt against the end wall 38 of the slot 37 if removal were attempted. Ample contact pressure between the terminal 20 and the sleeve connector or 'wir'e terminal 30 is provided-because the twisted end portion 26 of-the terminal 20 is under tension within the confines of the sleeve 34, the various edges of the terminal end'portion-26 exerting a-constant'pressure' against the inner'surfaces of the sleeve 34 at all contact points.

The sleeve connector or wire terminal 30 may be removed'from the terminal 20 by use of a pointed tool, such as a screw driver or the like; being inserted in the slot 35- of the sleeveconnector or wire terminal 30, the point ofth'e tool bearing against thefree end of the tongue 36. Movementof the tool against the spring tension of the tongue 36 will force the edge of the tongue 36 below the edge 38 of the slot 37, whereupon .the sleeve connector or wire terminal 30 may be pulled off of the terminal 20. If"neces's'ary, due to damage or achange of location, the terminal 20 may also be removed from the terminal board 24. This is accomplished by squeezing the-side'sof the terminal 20 together near its mid section 22' with 'a'suitable clamping tool, this being possible because of the resiliency of'the" metal and the presence of the slot 21. When the terminal 20 is compressed so that the widt-h 'aor'oss'the shoulder portions25 is less than the length of the receivingholeopening; 23 in the terminal board'24, the terminal-'20 may be removed through the ePm Referring. now toFigs. 5 to 8 inclusive, a modified form of theinvention has been shown whereinthe structure and mounting means" of the terminal is difierent but the same general structure for the plug coupler andwire attaching means has been retained. Inthis form of the invention, the 'terminal40 is also generally rectangular in shape and is punched from flat sheet stockof a resilient electrical conducting material. The centralportion. 41- is provided with shoulders 42 and sawtooth serrations 43v oneach side and a slotted. hole: 44 therethrough. Thetwo. end portions 45 are taperedsoithat thewidthmeafthe shoulders'421is greater th'an the width;

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at vtheir extreme ends, Each end portion 45 is provided a rectangular slot 37 and grooves 27. These end portions 45 are also twisted at an angle approximating 30 so that they are adapted to receive a sleeve connector terminal 30in a manner similar to that already described in connection 'with the terminal 20. The

terminal board 24 and the receptacle hole 23 may also be the, same as previously described;

Referring again to the'central portion 41 of the termi-' nal 40, and particularly to Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawings, it will be' noted that across sectionatthis point where thesawtooth serrations 43 are'located shows the metal to be slightly dished to form an arcuate shape. Also, the'width of the terminal 40 as measured across the outside edgesofthe sawtooth serrations 43 is greater than the length of'the receptacle hole 23. When assembling the-terminal 40 in the receptacle hole 23, the terminal will pass freely through-the hole until it reaches the point where the serrations 43 are located. The terminal must now be forced into the hole until the shoulders 42 bear against the terminal board 24. This is possible because the arcing action will cause the resilient metal to dish still more at this central portion 41 and thus reduce the overall width. With the terminal 40 now in position in the receptacle hole 23, the dished central portion is under tension and it will be exerting pressure against the inner surfaces of the receptacle hole 23 with the result that the sawtooth serrations 43 will bite into the softer insulating material of which the terminal board 24 is made.

The above described mounting means securely holds the terminal 40 in the terminal board 24 and normal pulling and pushing forces exerted during the application and removal of the sleeve connector terminals 30 will not disturb the anchored position of the terminal 40. However, if it becomes necessary to remove the terminal 40 from the terminal board 24 due to damage or for other reasons, the use of a suitable clamping tool to create a pressure on the sides of the terminal 40 would cause the center portion 41 to dish still more, thus reducing its width and allowing removal, similar to the manner already explained in connection with the removal of the other form of terminal 20.

The shape and location of the receiving holes 23 in the terminal board 24 is so designed to allow free passage of the twisted terminals 20 and 40 during the mounting process, while at the same time it permits close spacing of the terminals and leaves a maximum of separation and insulation material between locations, thus tending to prevent electric current creepage across terminals (see Fig. 12). It should be understood that other types of receiving holes 23 could be provided if space permitted. As an example, in Fig. 13 there is shown a square receiving hole 50 having flat corners. This type of receiving hole provides two separate mounting surfaces for the terminals which permits the location of the terminal to be changed in the event that one mounting surface becomes damaged due to the insulation becoming chipped away or worn due to excessive terminal changes.

In Fig. 12 there has also been shown a means for electrically connecting together two or more terminals 40 by means of wire jumpers 51. As previously mentioned and shown in Fig. 5, the terminal 40 is provided with a slotted hole 44 located flush with one side of the terminal board 24 when assembled. Wire jumpers 51 may be passed through these holes 44 and any selected number of terminals 40 may be electrically connected together as desired, the wire jumpers 51 being soldered to the terminals 40, as shown at 52.

From the foregoing description and with reference to the drawings, it can be seen that a terminal, its mounting means and a sleeve connector means have been provided which gives good reliable service and yet is simple and economical to manufacture as the tolerances are not too critical. The resiliency of the metal allows for easy assemblyand provides a. spring bias effect to hold. the terminal in position in the terminal board. It also pro: vides a spring bias effect to produce a good electrical contact between the twisted portion of the terminal and the sleeve connector terminal.

Having shown and, described two particular forms of the invention, it should be understood that various adaptationsnand deviations in thestructure and the material used could be made without departing from the spirit of the invention within the scope of the appending claims.

What I claim is:

1. A terminal and wire connector for a terminal board comprising, a terminal of resilient flat conducting material. adapted to be secured near its centerwithin a terminal board with the ends of the terminal protruding normal to the respective surfaces of the board, said terminal having both of the extending portions twisted axially, .and a relatively flat sleeve connector adapted atone end for the connection of a Wire and having a rectangular openinglat the other end, said opening being large enough to be receivable over either end of said terminal but being small enough to at least partially untwist the axial twist formed in said terminal, whereby the axial twist formed in said terminal insures good electrical contact between said sleeve connector and said terminal by a relatively high pressure connection.

2. A terminal and wire connector according to claim 1 wherein said terminal has oppositely disposed resilient detents adapted to bear against the respective surfaces of a terminal board to lock the terminal within a terminal board opening.

3. A terminal and wire connector according to claim 2 wherein the detents are formed in opposite longitudinal edges near the central portion of the terminal and they are made resilient by a longitudinal slot extending through the central portion of the terminal.

4. A terminal and wire connector for assembly within an opening in a terminal board comprising, a terminal of resilient flat conducting material, said terminal having a central portion receivable in the opening of the terminal board the breadth of the central portion being slightly greater than the breadth of the opening in the terminal board whereby the outer edges of the central portion of the terminal bear tightly against the sides of the opening in accordance with the resiliency of the conducting material of which the terminal is constructed, and said terminal having its ends twisted axially to form a partial spiral, and a wire connector sleeve adapted for the connection of a wire at one end and having a rectangular opening at the other end, said opening being large enough to receive either end of said terminal but being small enough to at least partially untwist said spiral within said terminal to a limited extent. a

5. A terminal and wire connector comprising, a terminal of resilient flat electrical conducting material, a terminal board having a receptacle opening therein, said terminal having a central portion formed to be received by and held within said receptacle opening, the resiliency of said terminal permitting it to be forced and sprung into said receptacle opening wherein it is mounted under bias and held against longitudinal movement, said terminal having end portions each provided with a partial spiral twist and a slot, a sleeve connector of resilient electrical conducting material having a tongue portion biased in wardly and formed to be received by said slot within said terminal, said sleeve connector being longitudinally receivable on said terminal end portion by slightly untwisting the spiral twist therein, whereby said spiral twist provides a biased connection between said terminal and said sleeve connector, and said tongue portion locks within said slot.

6. A terminal wire connector comprising, a terminal of resilient flat electrical conducting material, a terminal zisws'o 'r a 7 board liavingm receptacle" opening'therin, said terminal Having: 'central portion formed with s'awtoo'tli'serrations andashoulder on eachside edge'thereof, said c'e'ri'nal per: tion being dished arcuate shape"s'o that its Width" across the saw tooth serration portion'is slightly gr'e'atef'thah the length of said receptacle opening the presence of said arcuate shapedportion and the resiliency ofsaid terminal permitting'it to be forced and Spl'UHgdHtOSaid receptacle opening wherein it is mounted "under biasand hbld ag'ainst longitudinal movement'in onedirectionby saidsaw tolotfi serrations and in the other direction by said shoulders, said terminal having tapered end portions each provided with a spiral twist and a longit'udin'al slot; a connector of resilient electrical conducting material of substantially rectangular sleeveformation atone end and having; wire receiving clips at its other end, saidsleeve portion having a through slot on one side-and a-biasedinward tongue por-' tion on its opposite side, said" connector being receivable on either of said terminal end portions and acting to partially untwist the spiral twist of that endofsai'd terminal, whereby said spiral twist of said terminal is confined under References Cited inthe-file o'f this patent Great-Britain". Dec. 27, .1951 

